The value of health changes

Abstract

This present paper suggests that the use of QAL Y values elicited from an individual's perspective may not be valid in resource allocation decisions. The valuations of healtb changes seem to be influenced by whether questions are framed as individual or social choices. In the latter case, healtb improvements which involve relieving patients of extreme problems are valued more highly than relief of minor conditions. A different kind of numerical valuation of medical interventions, that incorporates some societal concerns in resource allocation, is deterrnined.